The Dish on Venus Retrograde Dec 21-Jan 31: Old lovers and Money on the Menu

    Here we go-just in time for the holidays and Venus would have to decide to go retrograde.  Venus is Retrograde in Capricorn from December 21, 2013, to January 31st, 2014.  This planet rules love, money, the finer things in life like art and jewelry along with being the ruler of the signs, Tarsus and Libra.  So when Venus goes retrograde all things associated with this “Morning Star” also become a little debilitated.

    This is not the time to get engaged. Opps! What about all those X-mas diamonds waiting to be slipped onto someone’s finger? Did you keep your receipt?  Also, avoid getting married, starting a new relationship, changing your hairstyle, redecorating, or making any type of investment both monetary and with your heart.  Sometimes old lovers return to see if there can be a reconciliation to a prior relationship and since Venus rules values anything that falls short in the department of trust and honesty will certainly be deal breakers averting future heart breakers.

     During this spin around Venus will be retrograde in the sign of Capricorn giving extra emphasis to qualities such as dignity, achievement, practical caution and status, mainly in the areas of love and money.  Approach these things with a cool, calm head during this time of retrograde motion.  

     Venus will be Stationary Retrograde on December 21, 2013, 04:52 pm EST, at 28 degrees Capricorn 59 seconds and go stationary direct on January 31, 2013  03:52 pm EST, at 13 degrees Capricorn 33 seconds. The pre shadow phase began on November 20, 2013 and Venus will move out of shadow on March 4, 2014. Below you can get an idea of how this retrograde should play out based on the degrees of Capricorn that come into play.  If you are familiar with what house of your chart the retrograde will take place in you can more accurately apply this information.

     The retrograde will start out with some interesting tendencies such as you may gather or collect more information to evaluate and re-evaluate situations before making a move to jump into an action.  This can be in regards to researching a costly purchase or looking at a relationship.  Moving along into this Venus retrograde phase, do not change your hair style or color-stick with the old, tried and true.  I know it is the holidays and there are parties to go to so don’t take any chances with your hair. It is the one major accessory that can really screw up a look if it doesn't turn out the way you had imagined it.

     As we move backwards to the 25 degree mark around the 4^th and 5^th of January 2014, this is not the time to invest in real estate or redecorate your existing home. You could suddenly hear from an old friend or flame that now feels an appreciation for a past relationship but if they get too demanding the whole effort of reconciliation will go flat.  Be careful of mercenary types and users who made out well in the past but now suffer with a guilty conscience. Those with an unsavory reputation are apt to show up too. There will be obligations and consequences of your actions so put up realistic boundaries and use good judgment when dealing with those who are trying to be persuasive.

   Governmental authority will make an appearance this retrograde period so don’t be surprised if there isn’t some issue with government funds such as Social Security, taxes, and federally funded programs.  Oh yeah…quarterly taxes are now due too-right after the holidays-what a “bite!’ There can also be some shakiness around any peace treaties. 

   Around the 11-12^th of January, think matters concerning money over carefully.  Renegotiate student financial packages if they fall short of your expectations or any other type of funding. Alimony or any money that is getting divided between former partners needs to be held off for awhile so someone doesn't get stuck holding the shitty end of the stick and it usually isn't the lawyer involved in the negotiations. Put off signing any financial agreements if at all possible.

    Around the 15-16^th of January 2014, look out for devious types. The time of the manipulator has arrived to create the loss of what is no longer needed or in other words someone may pick a fight because they don’t want to be in a relationship with you.  Depending on what part you play this may either give a boost or a blow to your ego.

    During the third week of January, whether you want to or not you may have to take care of some type of duty concerning more the material end of the spectrum.  This could mean paying back a debt, for instance, your credit card statement maxed out with holiday gift purchases. You might have to make a necessary but not necessarily beautifying repair to your home such as a heating system or roof.

     As the Venus retrograde winds down there may be dealings that seem to benefit you in either romance or career standing. Being too idealistic or hopeful may later disappoint you since the situation will most likely be changeable.  Be wise to pretentious types who slither in under the disguise of “helpful.”

       Before Venus goes direct do not commit emotional or financial suicide by keeping blinders on when it comes to matters of love and money because decisions made now concerning both of these areas will only lead to heated arguments and explosive situations over the next few weeks until Venus comes out of shadow on March 4, 2014.

     On the bright side you may have a debt repaid but just don’t blow the money once you get it back.  If a former lover comes back into your life just exercise caution because people don’t change, they usually just get better at hiding who they really are so don’t be a sucker for empty promises and tears.  If you got engaged by surprise during this time bite the bullet and pick a wedding date that may help override the retrograde.  If you are getting married during this time take into consideration if this is the second marriage for either of you and putting a pre-nup agreement into place helps in case money becomes an issue down the road.  The stars do not dictate they only compel you to make wise choices.  Don’t shoot the messenger-I only report the astrological weather.

    Hopefully the above astrological sky map helps you keep steady during this brief but financially and romantically foggy time.  

Namaste'